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The final all tennis fans wanted will take place today in Abu Dhabi as world number one and reigning champion, Rafael Nadal, takes on all-time men’s grand-slam singles title leader, Roger Federer at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
On Friday, for the second consecutive day a sold out stadium at the International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sport City, marveled at a spectacular display of world-class action with results again going in favour of world rankings to set up a dream final between arguably the greatest rivals in sport.
In the first of the day’s semi-finals, Federer required all three sets and one hour fifty-five minutes to overcome the ever improving world number five Robin Soderling of Sweden. The classy Swiss star avenged his defeat to Soderling at the semi-final stage last year, winning 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the final for the first time in three attempts as he looks to add the Abu Dhabi title to his victories around the world.
Speaking following his closely fought match, Federer said; “It looked like I was in danger of repeating last year’s loss, but I was not worried. I played aggressive and was finally able to turn it around. Today I was consistent and solid so it was a good match to start off the new season.
“This is also an opportunity for me to try out new things, go after my shots and see a clearer picture of what I am doing and this is why I enjoy this tournament. I was able to create some great stuff today that can help me in a big tournament and that is what I am building up for.”
Despite the semi-final defeat, Soderling who now faces Berdych in the 3rd – 4th play-off match tomorrow ahead of the final, remained positive on his Abu Dhabi experience;
“I played two good and long matches against great players and it has been really good. I could not ask for much more at the start of the season.”
The second semi-final saw Nadal dispatch world number six Tomas Berdych with a masterclass in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, completing the victory in 1 hour thirty-five minutes. Playing in typically ruthless fashion, Nadal produced a devastating performance to defeat one of the game’s rising stars.
Having secured his placed in the final against Federer, Rafael Nadal said; “This is a very good start for the season for me. I played very well today, especially after the first six games. The movement started to be better and better. He started playing great tennis in the beginning he had his chances but I had good serve. Then I finished the match in a solid fashion.
Looking to the final, the third clash of the game’s greatest players in as many weeks, Nadal added; “Tomorrow’s match will be very difficult. Roger is one of the greatest in history if not the best, so it will be a very difficult one and I will try my best to play a really good one. It will be a good test and we will see what will happen. We played a lot of matches against each other so we know each other. I want to win tomorrow and I’m sure so does he.”
Similar to Soderling, Berdych also took the positives from his loss saying; “Nadal served perfectly he got incredible shots. That is why he deserves to be number 1. This is the best start that you can have to be part of this group with those guys and to play three matches against them. You can be practicing hard at home, but you cannot get these matches anywhere else. I am happy to be here, to play all those matches and I think this is going to help me for the rest of the season.”
The action starts on centre court at 3pm as Soderling plays familiar rival Berdych, following by the showdown to celebrate the New Year and the new global tennis season with Nadal renewing his rivalry and friendship with Federer in the final for the winner takes all-prize in front of a capacity crowd.
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